Twisted block

ABSTRACT

A block suitable for use in paving, edging or wall applications comprises a lower portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a first width, and an upper portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a second width. The second width is smaller than the first width of the lower portion, and the side faces of the upper portion are angled relative to the side faces of the lower portion. The block further comprises a transition portion between the upper and lower portions, having at least one slanted side extending between one or more sides of the lower portion and one or more sides, respectively, of the upper portion.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/790,268, filed Mar. 15, 2013, under 35 U.S.C. §119.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A field of the invention is landscape edgers for garden borders andother landscape settings. Another field of the invention is repeatingelements forming a surface covering, and more specifically relates tostones, bricks, and pavers for forming surface coverings or otherstructures.

BACKGROUND

Edgers are known in the art for edging flowerbeds, forming lawn borders,ringing trees and the like. Edgers can include stones or bricks ofvarious configurations, including simple or more complex geometricshapes. Manufactured units typically are laid end to end to form a line,which can be straight, curved, serpentine, or combinations thereof.Edgers can also be used to form circular rings, ovals and other closedpatterns. Example edgers are shown in U.S. design Pat. Nos. RE37,694 andD471,990, both by Thomas Riccobene.

Additionally, it is well known to cover surfaces, such as walkways,driveways, patios, floors, work surfaces, walls and other interior orexterior surfaces with stones, bricks, pavers, tiles and otherarchitectural surface covering units. It is further known to constructwalls and other structures with stone and bricks. Conventional surfacecoverings and structures are also constructed of manufactured pavers,bricks, tiles or other units. Manufactured units are typically providedin geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles and hexagons, orcombinations thereof. Surfaces covered with manufactured units typicallyare laid in repeating patterns. Alternatively, it is known to layconventional units in random, non-repeating patterns. Some blocks can beused as either a paver or and edger, as shown for example in U.S. Pat.No. 7,637,688 to Thomas Riccobene.

Prior art landscape retaining systems and surface coverings have metwith varying degrees of success and failure. As always, there isconsiderable room for improvement.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, a twistedblock suitable for use in paving, edging or wall applications. The blockhas a lower portion having parallel, substantially vertical side facesthat are spaced apart by a first width. An upper portion of the blockhas parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart bya second width. The second width is smaller than the first width of thelower portion. The upper portion is rotated or twisted relative to thelower portion such that the side faces of the upper portion are angledrelative to the side faces of the lower portion. A transition portionbetween the upper and lower portions has slanted sides extending betweenone or more sides of the lower portion and one or more sides,respectively, of the upper portion.

In a non-limiting example embodiment, the lower portion generallydefines a first trapezoid in plan view, and the upper portion generallydefines a second trapezoid in plan view. In other example embodiments,the lower portion and upper portion each define squares, rectangles, orother quadrilaterals. Transition portions having slanted sides can bedisposed on one or both sides, one or both ends, or any combination ofsides and ends. The transition portion can be located at a lowerlocation closer to a bottom surface of the block, or can be located at ahigher location. Optional gaps can be provided in the transition portionand the lower portion on one or more sides or ends. Such units can beused to construct a pervious surface covering.

A system for edging comprises a plurality of blocks (e.g., two or more,with no upper limit) including at least first and second adjacentblocks. The blocks are abutted end to end in a straight line. The upperportions of the blocks are uniformly slanted relative to the line andare offset relative to each other to form an interesting “saw tooth” orstepped configuration. Another system for edging comprises a pluralityof blocks (e.g., two or more, with no upper limit) including at leastfirst and second adjacent blocks. The blocks are abutted end to end sothat the blocks are disposed at an oblique angle to one another tothereby form a curved edge.

An example surface comprises at least two adjacent bonded rows, each rowincluding at least first and second adjacent blocks. Within each row,the first and second blocks are abutted end to end to form a line. Thefirst and second blocks are uniformly slanted relative to the line andare offset relative to one another. The slants of the first and secondblocks in one of the two rows can be substantially parallel.Alternatively, the first and second blocks in one row can be reversed inorientation relative to the first and second blocks in an adjacent row.Other patterns for arrangement of the blocks include, but are notlimited to, herringbone, running bond, half bond, basket weave, “I”formations, etc. Surfaces can include combinations of different blocks,including blocks defining respectively different quadrilateral shapes.Such blocks can be disposed along the surface, as an edger, or both. Ina particular example embodiment, blocks defining one quadrilateralshape, such as a square, provide a paving surface, while blocks defininganother quadrilateral shape, such as a trapezoid or rectangle, borderthe square blocks and provide an edge.

Various embodiments of the invention are described below by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawingsinclude schematic figures that may not be to scale, which will be fullyunderstood by skilled artisans with reference to the accompanyingdescription. Features may be exaggerated for purposes of illustration.From the preferred embodiments, artisans will recognize additionalfeatures and broader aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a twisted block suitable for paving,edging, or for wall applications, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the block of FIG. 1. The opposing end view ofthe block is similar to FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one side of the block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the other side of the block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two adjacent blocks according to FIG. 1,with a second end of one block flush with a second end of a secondblock.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the two adjacent blocks of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the two adjacent blocks of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two adjacent blocks according to FIG. 1,with a first end of one block abutting a second end of a second block.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a surface covering having rows of adjacentblocks in which the upper portion of the blocks in adjacent rows areslanted substantially parallel to one another.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a surface covering having rows of adjacentblocks in which the upper portions of the blocks in adjacent rows areslanted obliquely to one another.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two adjacent blocks according to asecond embodiment of the invention, with a second end of one blockabutting a second end of a second block.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of two adjacent blocks according to thesecond embodiment of the invention, with a first end of one blockabutting a second end of a second block.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a twisted block according to a thirdembodiment of the invention, in which a transition portion is disposedat a higher location with respect to a bottom surface of the block. Theopposing view of the block is similar to FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a twisted block according to a fourthembodiment of the invention, in which a transition portion and lowerportion of the block includes a gap. The opposing view of the block issimilar to FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a twisted block according to a fifthembodiment of the invention, in which a transition portion includes aslanted side on ends of the block. The opposing view of the block issimilar to FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a pair of adjacent twisted blocksaccording to the fifth embodiment, with a second end of one blockabutting a second end of a second block.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a partial surface covering, including atwisted square block according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,edged by a twisted block according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a partial surface covering includingtwo square twisted blocks according to the sixth embodiment edged by apair of twisted blocks according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a surface covering according to the sixthembodiment of the invention, including a two-dimensional pattern ofsquare twisted blocks according to the sixth embodiment edged by aborder of twisted blocks according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a surface covering according to a seventhembodiment of the invention, including a herringbone pattern ofrectangular twisted blocks edged by a line of twisted blocks accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a partial surface covering according to aneighth embodiment of the invention, including square twisted blockshaving a raised transition portion, and further illustrating a texturedtop surface on one of the blocks.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the partial surface covering of FIG.21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a square twisted block according to theeighth embodiment, including a textured top surface.

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of an enlarged portion of a corner ofthe eighth embodiment block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 show a block 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.The block 20 is suitable for use in paving, edging, or for wallapplications. Preferably, but not necessarily, the block 20 is unitary;that is, the block is preferably made in one piece from the samematerial, though it is also contemplated that the blocks may be madefrom a combination of materials. Materials can be selected forparticular applications. Example materials for the block 20 includeconcrete, stone (e.g., masonry stone), plastic, and metal. Anon-limiting example block length is twelve inches.

As best viewed in FIGS. 2-4, the outer surface of the block 20 includesa lower portion 22, which is disposed at the bottom of the block. Asused herein, “lower,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” and “vertical” will beused with respect to the top-to-bottom orientation shown in FIGS. 2-4.The block outer surface also includes an upper portion 24 that isdisposed above the lower portion 22. A transition portion 26 of theouter surface of the block 20 is disposed vertically between the lowerportion 22 and the upper portion 24. The transition portion generallyrefers to the portion of the outer surface of the block 20 thattransitions from the configuration of the lower portion 22 to theconfiguration of the upper portion 24 (or vice versa). The lower portion22 and the transition portion 26 in combination can also be considered afoot for the block 20. It will be appreciated that though these portions22, 24, 26 are described separately for purposes of clarity, the blocksurfaces defining these portions can have discrete or continuoustransitions. Also, the height of each portion may vary across the lengthand/or width of the unit.

As best viewed in FIG. 1, in a non-limiting example embodiment, thelower portion 22 generally defines, in plan view or horizontalcross-section, a first trapezoid 28 that theoretically is between points30, 32, 34, and 36. The first trapezoid 28 can be, for instance, anisosceles trapezoid. The first trapezoid 28 is more particularly definedby a substantially vertical first lower side face 38 (best viewed inFIG. 3) that defines a first base, a substantially vertical second lowerside face 40 (best viewed in FIG. 4) that defines a second base, a lowerfirst end face 42 (best viewed in FIG. 2) that defines a first leg, anda lower second end face 44 (not directly shown, but similar to face 42in FIG. 2) that defines a second leg. As shown in FIG. 1, the firstlower side face 38 and the second lower side face 40 are spaced apart bya first width W1. In this example block 20 the “lower portion” generallyrefers to the portion of the block which in plan view defines the firsttrapezoid 28. This lower portion 22 can be of essentially any height. Itis also contemplated that the plan view of the lower portion 22 can be adifferent shape; e.g. a differently shaped quadrilateral, examples ofwhich are provided herein, though other shapes will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

In an example embodiment, and as best viewed in FIG. 1, the block 20 hasoptional beveled edges 46, 48, 50, 52. The block 20 includes a bottomsurface 53, which may be part of the lower portion 22, or may bedisposed underneath the lower portion 22. The bottom surface 53 of theblock 20 preferably, but not necessarily, has edges matching the firsttrapezoid 28. This bottom surface 53 may be, for example, a smoothplanar surface, a textured surface, or a different configuration.

The upper portion 24 can (but need not in all embodiments) generallydefine, in plan view or horizontal cross-section, a second trapezoid 54(FIG. 1) that theoretically is between points 56, 58, 60, and 62. Thesecond trapezoid 54 has a length that preferably is substantially thesame as the first trapezoid 28, but has a smaller width W2. Opposingcorners of the second trapezoid, at points 56 and 60, substantiallycoincide with respective opposing corners of the first trapezoid, atpoints 30 and 34. However, opposing corners of the second trapezoid 54,at points 58 and 62, are inwardly spaced from the corresponding opposingcorners of the first trapezoid, at points 32 and 36. Accordingly, asbest shown in FIG. 1, the second trapezoid 54 is rotated or twistedrelative to the first trapezoid 28, as explained further herein below.Blocks in which the shape defined by the upper portion 24 appearsrotated or twisted with respect to the shape defined by the lowerportion 22 are referred to as twisted blocks herein.

The second trapezoid 54 is more particularly defined by a substantiallyvertical first upper side face 64 (best viewed in FIG. 3) that defines afirst base of the trapezoid, a substantially vertical second upper sideface 66 (best viewed in FIG. 4) that defines a second base of thetrapezoid, an upper first end face 68 (best viewed in FIG. 2) thatdefines a first leg, and an upper second end face 70 (not shown in FIG.2, but similar to upper first end face 68) that defines a second leg.Thus, the distance between the first upper side face 64 and the secondside face 66 defines the width W2.

The block 20 also includes a top surface 72 (best viewed in FIG. 1),which may be part of the upper portion 24, or may be disposed above theupper portion. The top surface 24 preferably, but not necessarily, hasedges defining a trapezoid similar or identical to the second trapezoid54, as shown in FIG. 1. In the example block 20, the top surface 72optionally includes a beveled edge 74, best viewed in FIG. 1, whichgenerally follows the shape of the second trapezoid 54. In this exampleblock 20 the “upper portion” generally refers to the portion of theblock 20 which in plan view defines the second trapezoid 54. However, inother embodiments the upper portion 24 can have a different shape inplan view, such as a different quadrilateral shape, examples of whichare provided herein, and other shapes will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Theoretical points 56 and 60 of the second trapezoid 54 extend beyondthe surface of the upper portion 24 due to the first and secondvertically oriented bevels 46, 48. Theoretical points 58 and 62 of thesecond trapezoid 54 in the example block 20 are disposed at theintersection of the second upper side face 66 and upper first end face68 (point 58), and at the intersection of the first upper side face 64and upper second end face 70 (point 60), respectively.

The transition portion 26 includes a first side transition portion 84(best viewed in FIG. 3) disposed between the first lower side face 38and the first upper side face 64, and a second side transition portion92 (best viewed in FIG. 4) disposed between the second lower side face40 and the second upper side face 66. The first side transition portion84 includes a slanted side. This slanted side 84 extends downwardly andoutwardly from an inner edge 86 disposed at the first upper side face 64to an outer edge 88 that is disposed vertically above the outer edge ofthe first lower face 38. The inner edge 86 and the outer edge 88intersect at an acute angle both in plan view as shown in FIG. 1 and inside elevational view as shown in FIG. 3. Slanted side 84 is generallytriangular shaped being defined by inner edge 86, outer edge 88 and athird edge 89 adjacent the end of the block. The outer edge 88 in turndefines a substantially triangular vertical surface 90 that extendsvertically from the outer edge 88 to the bottom edge 91 of the firstlower side face 38. Thus, in the example block 20, the outer edge 88also defines the first base of the first trapezoid 28 in plan view.

Similarly, the second side transition portion 92 (FIG. 4) includes aslanted side that extends from the second upper side face 66.Particularly, the slanted side 92 extends downwardly and outwardly froman inner edge 94 disposed at the second upper side face 66 to an outeredge 96 disposed vertically above the second lower side face 40. Theinner edge 94 and the outer edge 96 intersect at an acute angle,preferably the same angle as that of the intersection of the inner edge86 and the outer edge 88. Slanted side 92 is generally triangular shapeddefined by inner edge 94, outer edges 96 and a third edge 97 adjacentthe end of the block. A substantially triangular vertical surface 98extends vertically from the outer edge 96 to a bottom edge 99 of thesecond lower side face 40. Thus, the outer edge 96 in an exampleembodiment also defines the second base of the first trapezoid 28 inplan view. The inner edges 86 and 94 of the first side and second sidetransition portions 84, 92 are spaced by the second width W2 shown inFIG. 1, and the outer edges 88, 96 are spaced by the first width W1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the example block 20 includes a verticallyoriented first end 100 and a vertically oriented second end 102. Thevertically oriented first end 100 in this embodiment is shared by (i.e.,includes) both the upper first end face 68 and the lower first end face42. In this way, the first leg of the first trapezoid 28 and the firstleg of the second trapezoid 54 are in the same plane of the verticallyoriented first end 100, as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the verticallyoriented second end 102 is shared by (i.e., includes) both the uppersecond end face 70 and the lower second end face 44. Thus, the secondleg of the first trapezoid 28 and the second leg of the second trapezoid54 are both in the same plane of the vertically oriented second end 102.

However, the first upper side face 64 (FIG. 3) and the second upper sideface 66 (FIG. 4) are not in the same plane, respectively, as the firstlower side face 38 and the second lower side face 40, due to the twistedconfiguration of the block 20. The first and second upper side faces 64,66 are rotated in a horizontal plane by an angle θ (FIG. 1) relative tothe first and second lower side faces 38, 40. Angle θ, which can bedefined by the first and second slanted sides 84, 92, can be asnon-limiting examples between 1 degree and 10 degrees, and is preferablybetween 2 and 5 degrees. This rotation produces an interesting aestheticin which the upper portion 24 is rotated or twisted with respect to thelower portion 22. In the example block 20, the second trapezoid 54preferably is substantially contained within and does not substantiallyextend beyond the area of the first trapezoid 28.

Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the lower portion of the unit isgenerally trapezoidal in plan view as shown by lines 28 and the upperportion of the unit is also generally trapezoidal in plan view as shownby lines 54, the upper portion being rotated or twisted relative thelower portion. In other embodiments the lower and upper portions mayhave other shapes in plan view, including but not limited to squares,rectangles, rhombi, hexagons, octagons, triangles, and other shapes,non-limiting examples of which are shown in the drawings. Further, theshape of the upper portion in plan view need not be the same as thelower portion. Further, the parallel sides of the lower and upperportions need not be linear in plan view, but alternatively can includeone or more offsets or other deviations along the length of the unit.The offsets can allow for adjoining or abutting units to interlock witheach other.

FIGS. 5-7 show an example configuration of two adjacent blocks 110, 112that have essentially the same design as block 20. Block 112 is flippedrelative to block 110, i.e., the blocks are disposed so that that theyare oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another in thehorizontal plane (horizontally flipped). Thus, the second end 102 of theblock 110 abuts the second end 102 of the block 112. Additional blockscan be added forming a straight line, every other block flipped, toprovide an edge or border. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the sides of thelower or base portions 22 (i.e., outer edges 88, 96) of the adjacentblocks 110, 112 are abutted end to end along a line 113. The sides ofthe upper portions 24 of the blocks are not in line, however. Instead,the upper sides (the first upper side face 64 and second upper side face66 of each block 110, 112) are parallel to each other but offset.Furthermore, the upper portions 24 of the blocks are uniformly slantedor orientated at an angle Θ relative to the aforementioned straight line113 of the edge or border. This creates an interesting aesthetic, whichmay be described as a saw tooth or stepped configuration. The slantedappearance of the upper portion 24 of the blocks 110, 112 combined withthe alternating orientation of the upper trapezoid 54 shape provides aninteresting pattern, even though the blocks 110, 112 (and others insequence) are in a straight horizontal line.

FIG. 8 shows another orientation of two adjacent blocks 114, 116. Blocks114, 116 have essentially the same design as block 20. A first end 100of block 114 abuts a second end 102 of block 116. In this orientation,block 116 is angled (e.g., obliquely angled) relative to block 114. Asadditional blocks are added according to this arrangement, the resultingedger or border will curve. As is well known in the art, multiple blockscan be assembled in various combinations of same or horizontally flippedorientations to form edges or borders that are straight, curve left,curve right, form rings, curve in serpentine patterns, or combinationsthereof.

FIG. 9 shows a surface covering 118 having four adjacent rows 120, 122,124, 126 each having four adjacent blocks 120 a-120 d, 122 a-122 d, 124a-124 d, 126 a-126 d. Each row of blocks is abutted end to end in aline, such as line 127 for the first row 120. Within each row adjacentblocks are uniformly slanted relative to the line, as with the blocks110, 112 shown in FIG. 6. Further, the slants of the blocks in each row120, 122, 124, 126 are substantially parallel to slants of the blocks inthe other rows. The rows 120, 122, 124, 126 and blocks within each rowcan be bonded, such as via half-bond (as shown in FIG. 9), quarter-bond,etc., to provide the surface covering 118. The four rows of fouradjacent blocks in FIG. 9 are merely for illustration, and greater orfewer numbers of rows and/or blocks in each row can be used. Jointsbetween adjacent blocks in rows or between rows can be, but need not be,filled with loose material, e.g., sand, gravel, sod, or with cementedmaterial, e.g., grout or sand with a polymer resin binder.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative surface covering 128 having four adjacentrows 130, 132, 134, 136 in half-bond each having four adjacent blocks130 a-130 d, 132 a-132 d, 134 a-134 d, 136 a-136 d. Each row of blocksis abutted end to end in a line, such as line 127 for row 130, similarto the surface covering 118 in FIG. 9. However, in FIG. 10, alternaterows 132, 136 have blocks that are reversed in orientation from theblocks in rows 130, 134. This causes the slants in blocks in adjacentrows to be oblique to one another. Again, the four rows of four adjacentblocks in FIG. 10 are merely for illustration, and greater or fewernumbers of rows and/or blocks in each row can be used. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), some adjacent rows are oriented similarly tothose in FIG. 9, and other adjacent rows are oriented similarly to thosein FIG. 10.

An example top surface 72 is substantially smooth. In some applications,smooth surfaces and/or geometric configurations advantageously provide amodern or contemporary appearance. In other applications, it isdesirable to provide a more natural appearance. It is also contemplatedthat top surfaces (or other surfaces) can be textured for additionalaesthetic or other benefits. FIGS. 11-12 show a pair of adjacent blocks138, 140 that are configured similarly to block 20, but with a texturedtop surface 142 in place of the substantially smooth top surface 72. InFIG. 11, the blocks 138, 140 are orientated in substantially the samedirection as in FIG. 8. In FIG. 12, the blocks 138, 140 are orientatedin opposite directions as in FIGS. 5-7. Other top surface textures canbe optionally provided. In yet further embodiments, the sides and topsurfaces can include natural rock features. For the purpose of thisapplication “natural rock features” means false joints, cavities,fissures, planar offsets, shale layers, chips and/or other surfaceirregularities, edge variations that produce variable width gaps betweenunits, and color variations that singularly or in combination lend anatural rock or stone appearance to the unit.

FIG. 13 shows a twisted block 150 according to another embodiment of theinvention. On each side of block 150, the transition portion 152 betweenlower portion 154 and upper portion 156 is raised with respect to thebottom surface 53, providing a higher extending lower portion, andforming a more robust base. Put another way, if the lower portion 154and transition portion 152 are considered a foot, the twisted block 150can be considered to have a raised foot. The bottom of the transitionportion 152 can be disposed above the bottom surface 53 by a dimensionof at least one-quarter of the block height. The transition portion 152includes a generally triangular slanted side 158 that extends downwardlyand outwardly between an inner edge 160 at the upper portion 156 to anouter edge 162 disposed vertically above the lower portion 154. Theraised transition portion 152 provides a base for improved pavingconnection and transfer of shear and load to adjoining paving or edgingblocks. The example block 150 can be otherwise configured similarly toblock 20 or other twisted blocks.

FIG. 14 shows a twisted block 170 according to another embodiment of theinvention. Each side of the block 170 includes a transition portion 172disposed between a lower portion 174 and an upper portion 176. Thetransition portion 172 includes a slanted side 178 that extendsdownwardly and outwardly from an inner edge 180 at the upper portion 176to an outer edge 182 disposed vertically above the lower portion 174. Agap 184, such as a vertical channel or slot, is provided in both thetransition portion 172 and the lower portion 174 (i.e., in a foot of theblock 170), which gap defines two generally opposed faces 186, 188. Itwill be appreciated that the shape of the gap 184 and the faces 186, 188can vary from the example block 170. The gap 184 or other such gaps canprovide water drainage for a permeable surface covering. It is alsocontemplated that a transition portion on one side of the block 170 caninclude the gap 184, while the other side has a continuous transitionportion and lower portion, e.g., similar to transition portion 26 andlower portion 22 for block 20. In another example embodiment, multiplegaps can be provided in the transitions portions and lower portions(i.e., feet) on one or more sides. The example block 170 can beotherwise configured similarly to block 20, block 150, or other twistedblocks.

In further embodiments, multiple gaps can be formed in the base portionso as to define spacers between the gaps, similar to the spacersdisclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,155, which is herebyincorporated by reference. The spacers of each unit engage adjacentunits and maintain the integrity of the layout pattern.

FIG. 15 shows a twisted block 190 according to another embodiment of theinvention. Each side of the block 190 includes a transition portion 192having a slanted side 194 that is disposed between a lower portion 196and an upper portion 198. The slanted side extends downwardly andoutwardly from an inner edge 200 at the bottom of the upper portion 198to an outer edge 202 disposed vertically above the lower portion 196.Additionally, at each end of the block 190 the transition portion 192includes a generally triangular slanted side 204 disposed between alower portion 196 and an upper portion 198. This slanted side 204extends outwardly and downwardly from an inner edge 210 at the upperportion 198 to an outer edge 212 disposed vertically above the lowerportion 196. The inner edge 210 and the outer edge 212 meet at an acuteangle. A generally triangular (or generally trapezoidal, depending onthe height of the transition portion 192) vertical side 214 is definedbetween the outer edge 212 and the lower surface 53 of the block 190.The height of the transition portion 192, including slanted sides 194,204, can be lower, similar to that of block 20, or can be higher,similar to that of block 150. One or more gaps can also be provided inthe transition portion 192 and lower portions 196. The block 190 can beotherwise configured similarly to block 20, 150, 170, or other blocks.

FIG. 16 shows an example arrangement of two adjacent blocks 220, 222configured similarly to block 190 and oriented similarly to that shownin FIGS. 5-7. Ends 224 of the blocks 220, 222 (e.g., second ends of eachblock) engage at facing vertical edges 226. Similar to FIGS. 5-7, theblocks 220, 222 can form a straight line defined by the lower portions194 while the upper portions 198 form a saw toothed pattern.

While groups of particular shapes of the twisted blocks 20, 150, 170,190, 240 can be used for paving and/or edging, in some exampleembodiments differently sized and shaped twisted blocks can be combined.FIGS. 17-19 show example arrangements of combined twisted blocks. Forexample, FIG. 17 shows a partial surface covering including a twistedblock 240 according to another embodiment of the invention, in which alower portion 242 and an upper portion 244 both generally define asquare. The width and length of the lower portion 242 are greater thanthose of the upper portion 244. A transition portion includes slantedsides 245 disposed at each of a first side 246, a second side 248, athird side 250, and a fourth side 252 of the block 240 (“first,”“second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used for purposes of illustrationonly). The blocks 240 can otherwise be configured similarly to blocks20, 150, 170, 190, or other blocks. In FIG. 17, the (square) block 240is adjacent to (trapezoidal) twisted block 20. In the example surfacecovering, the square block 240 and adjacent square blocks 240 provide apaver, while block 20 provides a border.

FIG. 18 shows a partial surface including two adjacent square blocks 240edged by two adjacent trapezoidal twisted blocks 20, and FIG. 19 shows asurface covering in which a two-dimensional (e.g., square) pattern ofsquare blocks is edged by a linear border formed by trapezoidal blocks20. As best viewed in FIG. 19, an interesting aesthetic is provided inwhich the upper surfaces 254 of the square blocks 240 form a saw toothedpattern, while the outer edge of the arranged square blocks (defined bythe lower portions 242 of each block) form a square. Similarly, theupper surfaces of the trapezoidal blocks 20 as arranged in FIG. 19 andthe upper surfaces 254 of the square blocks 240 form a saw toothedpattern, while the outer edge of the trapezoidal blocks (defined by thelower portions 22 of each block) form a straight outer edge. Othertwisted blocks, such as blocks 150, 170, 190, etc. can be substitutedfor either the square blocks 240 used for paving or the trapezoidalblocks 20 used for edging. The sides of the square blocks 240 and thetrapezoidal blocks 20 can be selected and configured to have the samelength as shown in FIG. 19, or can have different lengths to producedifferent paving or edging patterns.

FIG. 20 shows an example partial surface covering including a pattern ofrectangular twisted blocks 270, in which a lower portion 272 and anupper portion 274 each generally define a rectangle. The width of thelower portion 272 is greater than that of the upper portion 274. Theupper portion defines a rectangle that is rotated or twisted withrespect to the rectangle defined by the lower portion. The examplerectangular blocks 270 have transition portions including slanted sides276, 278 on sides and ends, respectively, configured similarly to theslanted portions 194, 204 in block 190. As shown in FIG. 20, therectangular twisted blocks 270 are arranged in a herring bone patternfor paving, while the slanted sides 276, 278 align to form substantiallystraight lines along an edge of these paving blocks. Other examplearrangements for paving blocks include, but are not limited to, runningbond, half bond, basket weave, and “I” formations.

Aligned trapezoidal twisted blocks 190 are provided to edge the surfacecovering, though in other embodiments blocks 20, 150, 170, or othertwisted blocks (or any combinations thereof) can be used. Also, in thisexample partial surface covering, the edges of the rectangular twistedblocks 270 and the trapezoidal twisted blocks 190 are not sized to matchevenly. However, in other embodiments, edges can be sized to matchevenly depending on particular desired surface covering and edgingpatterns.

Surface coverings in accordance with this disclosure, as shown forexample in FIGS. 19 and 20, can be permeable, providing for waterdrainage. As discussed above with respect to the embodiments of FIG. 14,the transition and lower portions of the surface covering blocks (i.e.,the feet of the blocks) can be provided with one or more gaps orchannels so that surface covering has increased capacity to drain rainor storm water. Optionally, the gaps as well as spaces between adjacentupper portions of blocks can be filled with pervious material such assand, gravel, or sod. The pervious material can be loose or bound, e.g.,with a polymeric binder. See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/105,679, filed Dec. 13, 2013, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIGS. 21-24 show a surface covering 300 including a plurality of squaretwisted blocks 302 according to another embodiment of the invention.FIGS. 23-24 show an individual square twisted block 302. The twistedblocks 302 include a transition portion that is disposed between a lowerportion 306 (FIGS. 22-24) and an upper portion 308. The transitionportion includes slanted sides 310, similar to the slanted sides 245 ofsquare block 240. However, the bottoms of the slanted sides 310 in thesquare twisted blocks 302 are raised significantly with respect to abottom surface 312 (or put another way, the lower portions have asignificantly greater height). In a non-limiting example block 302, foran overall block height of about 60 mm, the transition portion includingslanted sides 310 has a depth of about ⅜″ below a top surface 314.

This raised transition portion appears more like a visible chamfer, asopposed to a deep trough (as in square twisted block 240). The overallblock 302 appears more like a conventional paver joint. Further, thetwisted geometry provided by the lower and upper portions 306, 308 andslanted sides 310 is less likely to be obscured by material such asjoint filling sand or polymeric sand. As shown in the top left block 302in FIG. 21, and as also shown in FIG. 23, the upper portion 308 caninclude a textured top surface 314 and an optional beveled portion 318similar to other example blocks disclosed herein.

Further embodiments of the invention can be provided with irregularsurface features, which provide aesthetic benefits. The top surface andside surfaces can be molded or sculpted to add fissures, artificialjoints, recesses, rounded protrusions, etc. to provide a naturalrock-like appearance. In a conventional six-unit mold, the top shoe foreach mold cavity can have a different configuration, i.e., introduce atop surface mold variation. Further, the side profile of a substantiallyvertical lower side face, substantially vertical upper side face with aslanted slide transition there between can be smoothly transitioned(without any sharp lines as shown in the drawings) or can betransitioned in an irregular manner. More specifically, the sides of theunit are preferably drafted, i.e., the sides taper or slant inwardly andprogressively from bottom to top (based on the orientation of the unitin the mold). The degree of taper and slant of the side surfaces canvary in an irregular manner, both vertically and horizontally. Fissures,ledges, recesses and other natural rock features can be sculpted in themolds so the sides appear rock-like. See e.g., U.S. Design Pat. No.D674,510 which is hereby incorporated by reference. This side moldingfeature is referred to herein as an “irregular draft” or as being“irregularly drafted.”

To further enhance the natural appearance of surface coverings andstructures made with the units, the sides can be molded to match lessthan perfectly, i.e., that non-substantial gaps are formed betweenadjacent units, which gaps can vary in thickness. This is preferablyaccomplished by introducing minor variations in the sides of the upperportion so that gap between adjoining units varies in thickness withoutinterfering with mating and interlocks of the base portions. “Mate”generally refers to fitting or associating suitably.

While preferred embodiments of twisted blocks have been hereinillustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that certain changes,rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A block suitable for use in paving, edging orwall applications, the block comprising: a lower portion havingparallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by afirst width; an upper portion having parallel, substantially verticalside faces that are spaced apart by a second width, the second widthbeing smaller than the first width of the lower portion, the side facesof the upper portion being twisted in plan view relative to the sidefaces of the lower portion; and a transition portion extending from theupper and lower portions having at least one slanted side extendingbetween one or more sides of the lower portion and one or more sides,respectively, of the upper portion.
 2. A block according to claim 1,wherein the lower portion generally defines a first quadrilateral inplan view, and wherein the upper portion generally defines a secondquadrilateral in plan view, wherein the second quadrilateral is twistedin plan view with respect to the first quadrilateral.
 3. A blockaccording to claim 2, wherein the second quadrilateral is twisted withrespect to the first quadrilateral by a nonzero angle θ about an axisthat is parallel to the side faces of the lower portion and the sidefaces of the upper portion, wherein the angle θ is greater than zerodegrees and fewer than ninety degrees.
 4. A block according to claim 3,wherein the angle θ is between 1 degree and 10 degrees.
 5. A blockaccording to claim 1, wherein the lower portion generally defines afirst trapezoid in plan view, and wherein the upper portion generallydefines a second trapezoid in plan view, wherein the second trapezoid istwisted in plan view with respect to the first trapezoid.
 6. A blockaccording to claim 5, wherein the second trapezoid is twisted withrespect to the first trapezoid by a nonzero degree θ about an axis thatis parallel to the side faces of the lower portion and the side faces ofthe upper portion, wherein the angle θ is greater than zero degrees andfewer than ninety degrees.
 7. A block according to claim 6, wherein theangle θ is between 1 degree and 10 degrees.
 8. A block according toclaim 1, wherein the lower portion includes first and second end facesextending between the lower portion side faces, and the upper portionincludes first and second end faces extending between the upper portionside faces, the first end face of the upper portion lying in the samevertical plane as the first end face of the lower portion, and thesecond end face of the upper portion lying in the same vertical plane asthe second end face of the lower portion.
 9. A block according to claim8, wherein the side faces of the upper portion comprise a first upperside face and a second upper side face, and wherein the side faces ofthe lower portion comprise a first lower side face and a second lowerside face; further comprising: a first vertically oriented beveled edgedisposed on the lower portion at an intersection of the first lower sideface and the lower portion first end face and on the upper portion at anintersection of the first upper side face and the upper portion firstend face; and a second vertically oriented beveled edge disposed on thelower portion at an intersection of the second lower side face and thelower portion second end face and on the upper portion at anintersection of the second upper side face and the upper portion secondend face of the block.
 10. The block of claim 1, wherein the transitionportion comprises two said slanted sides on respective sides of theblock, each slanted side being generally triangular in shape and havingan outer edge meeting a respective one of the lower portion side facesand an inner edge meeting a respective one of the upper portion sidefaces, the inner and outer edges intersecting at an acute angle.
 11. Theblock of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a top surface and abeveled edge disposed between the upper portion side faces and the topsurface.
 12. The block of claim 11, wherein the top surface is flat andsubstantially smooth.
 13. The block of claim 11, wherein the top surfaceis textured.
 14. The block of claim 1, wherein the lower portiongenerally defines a first trapezoid in plan view, and wherein the upperportion generally defines a second trapezoid in plan view, wherein thesecond trapezoid includes two sides each of which being disposed at anangle greater than zero degrees and fewer than ninety degrees in planview with respect to the first trapezoid; and wherein the upper portionof the block includes a top surface that is trapezoid shaped havingedges parallel to and inwardly spaced from the second trapezoid.
 15. Theblock of claim 1, wherein the block is formed from a unitary blockmaterial taken from the group consisting of concrete, stone, plastic,and metal.
 16. A block according to claim 1, wherein the side faces ofthe upper portion are twisted relative to the side faces of the lowerportion by a nonzero angle θ about an axis that is parallel to the sidefaces of the lower portion and the side faces of the upper portion, suchthat the side faces of the upper portion are not parallel to the sidefaces of the lower portion in plan view, wherein the nonzero angle θ isgreater than zero degrees and fewer than ninety degrees.
 17. A blockaccording to claim 16, wherein the angle θ is between 1 degree and 10degrees.
 18. A system for edging comprising: a plurality of blocksaccording to claim 1 including at least first and second adjacentblocks; wherein the first and second blocks are abutted end to end alonga straight line; wherein the upper portions of the blocks are uniformlyslanted in plan view relative to the line and are offset relative toeach other.
 19. A system for edging comprising: a plurality of blocksaccording to claim 1 including at least first and second adjacentblocks; wherein the first and second blocks are abutted end to end;wherein the first and second blocks are disposed at an oblique angle toone another.
 20. A surface covering comprising: a plurality of blocksaccording to claim 1 including at least two adjacent bonded rows, eachrow including at least first and second adjacent blocks; wherein withineach row the first and second blocks are abutted end to end in a line;wherein within each row the first and second blocks are uniformlyslanted relative to the line in plan view and are offset relative to oneanother; wherein the slants of the first and second blocks in one of thetwo rows are substantially parallel in plan view to slants of the firstand second blocks in the other row.
 21. A surface covering comprising: aplurality of blocks according to claim 1 including at least two adjacentbonded rows, each row including at least first and second adjacentblocks; wherein within each row the first and second blocks are abuttedend to end in a line; wherein within each row the first and secondblocks are uniformly slanted relative to the line in plan view and areoffset relative to one another; wherein the first and second blocks inone of the two rows are reversed in orientation with respect to thefirst and second blocks in the other row.
 22. A surface coveringcomprising: a plurality of blocks according to claim 1 including atleast first and second adjacent blocks; wherein the first and secondblocks are configured and arranged such that non-substantial gaps areformed between the first and second adjacent blocks.